First Chapter, First Paragraph: Cauldstane

Published on by Margaret

First chapterEvery Tuesday Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea hosts First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, where you can share the first paragraph, or a few, of a book you are reading or thinking about reading soon.

My choice this week is Cauldstane by Linda Gillard. It begins:

Sometimes I think I can still hear – very faintly – the strains of a harpsichord. Impossible, of course. There’s been no harpsichord at Cauldstane for over a year now. Meredith’s has never been replaced. Never will be replaced.

As the cover shows Cauldstane is set in a castle – a Scottish castle, a remote and decaying 16th century castle, the family home of the MacNabs. Ghostwriter Jenny Ryan is commissioned to write the memoirs of the current Laird, Sholto MacNab. There are secrets, sins to be revealed – and an ancient curse.

If you want to know more about Linda Gillard’s books here is the link to her website.

18 thoughts on “First Chapter, First Paragraph: Cauldstane”

  3. Margaret – Oh, that’s an intriguing beginning! I’ll be keen to read your review of it when you’ve finished.

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  13. Thanks, Margaret, for featuring the opening to CAULDSTANE. It’s interesting to hear people’s reactions to the first paragraph. I spend sooo long writing my opening pages! When you know readers will be checking out the sample on their e-readers, you have to write something instantly appealing.

    Something else I threw into the story mix was a swordsmith hero. (And he knows how to use one too!) I’d better mention the ghost too as paranormal is not everyone’s favourite genre.

    CAULDSTANE was inspired by a visit to the still-inhabited Cawdor Castle in the Highlands, not far from where I live.

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    1. You’re welcome, Linda! I’m about half-way into the book right now and loving it. Next time we’re in the Highlands I must take a look at Cawdor Castle!

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